Dayna Bass

Mowi Scotland has officially acquired Sanda Island in Argyll and Bute, marking a significant step in its expansion efforts. The company plans to develop a salmon farm off the island’s eastern coast while also working to enhance its tourism potential. A Major Acquisition with Big Plans The purchase includes not just Sanda Island but also several key properties: the former hotel, existing houses, Campbeltown shipyard, and Sandbank House. Mowi intends to refurbish these structures, aiming to bring new life to the island. In addition to salmon farming, the company envisions a hospitality element, with caretakers managing accommodations for visitors. Yacht…

The latest round of funding from FinTech Scotland has seen five innovative financial technology firms each secure £50,000. The funding aims to enhance financial inclusion, boost resilience, and improve consumer engagement across the financial sector. Major Backing for Innovation FinTech Scotland, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow, spearheaded the initiative under the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL). The project is funded by Innovate UK and is supported by 14 major financial institutions. Industry heavyweights—including PwC, NatWest, Lloyds Banking Group, Equifax, Barclays, Tesco Bank, and TSB—played a key role in evaluating and mentoring fintech firms…

England will go head-to-head with Scotland in the highly anticipated Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham on Saturday. Head coach Steve Borthwick has kept faith in Marcus Smith despite recent criticism, while Ollie Chessum earns a promotion to the starting lineup. With England’s narrow 26-25 victory over France in the last round of the Six Nations reigniting hopes, the hosts will be eager to avenge recent defeats to their northern rivals. Marcus Smith Retained Despite Criticism The decision to stick with Smith as part of England’s playmaking axis has sparked debate. Some pundits have questioned his consistency, but Borthwick remains convinced…

Scotland's public services are under scrutiny. Some claim they are faltering, even broken. The critics are vocal, pointing fingers at the Scottish Government, particularly the SNP. But is the picture really that bleak? A Long-Standing Political Narrative This is not a new debate. Since the dawn of devolution, certain voices have questioned Scotland's governance. They argue that self-rule has come at the cost of efficiency, particularly in public services. The critics come largely from those opposed to further constitutional change—or even the current devolved settlement itself. For years, such criticisms didn’t stick. Polls showed strong public confidence in the Scottish…

A well-orchestrated drug smuggling operation, masterminded by Julian Chisholm and backed by Colombia’s Cali Cartel, aimed to land half a tonne of high-purity cocaine on a remote Highland beach. But a brutal storm, a reckless sea transfer, and a sharp-eyed police sergeant brought the plan crashing down. The Diver Who Became a Drug Lord Julian Chisholm wasn’t just any criminal. Raised in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, he worked as a deep-sea diver in the North Sea oil industry before abandoning his career for something far more lucrative: drug smuggling. By the late 1980s, he had embedded himself in Spain’s underworld, starting with…

Opening on February 20, 2025, Alien UFO Burger is set to deliver a truly unique dining experience for both food enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike. The first extra-terrestrial-themed restaurant in the UK will open its doors on 102 Union Street, Glasgow, offering a menu that combines culinary creativity with an intergalactic twist. A Galactic Dining Adventure Alien UFO Burger promises to take diners on a journey beyond the stars with a distinctive menu featuring a variety of burgers that push the boundaries of flavor. Whether you're a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there’s something for everyone. Standout offerings include the "Galactic…

A new study has shown that a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination program for older adults in Scotland has led to a dramatic reduction in hospital admissions. The program, launched in August 2024, has resulted in a 62% drop in RSV-related hospitalizations among the eligible age group, demonstrating the effectiveness of this health initiative. Study Highlights Vaccine Success The research, conducted by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with Public Health Scotland (PHS), offers the first evidence of the program's impact. The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, highlights the success of the RSV vaccine in reducing serious illness…

Greene King is expanding its reach by bringing its popular Hive and Nest pub concepts to Scotland, with plans for the first location to open by April 2025. A New Chapter for Greene King in Scotland Greene King, a leading pub operator and brewer, is taking its successful franchised pub concepts, Hive and Nest, to Scotland. The expansion is set to be rolled out by Belhaven Pub Partners, a subsidiary of the brewery. The first location is expected to open in Scotland by April 2025, marking a significant milestone in Greene King’s growth strategy. “We’re thrilled to be bringing our…

Loretto School, located on the stunning East Lothian coast of Scotland, is renowned for providing an exceptional education that blends the prestige of the British system with Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. With nearly two centuries of history, Loretto continues to offer a world-class learning environment, celebrated for its academic excellence and holistic approach to student development. A British Education with International Reach At Loretto, students follow the British education system, which includes GCSEs, A-Levels, and BTECs, ensuring a comprehensive and globally respected curriculum. This rigorous academic framework provides students with a wide range of subjects, tailored to meet their individual…

The UK Government is taking steps to overturn a centuries-old legal restriction that has prevented Roman Catholics from holding the prestigious role of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. A new bill introduced today aims to remove this barrier, paving the way for Lady Elish Angiolini to make history in 2025. A Role Rooted in Tradition The Lord High Commissioner serves as the Sovereign’s representative at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a position steeped in historical and religious significance. Each May, the Assembly convenes in Edinburgh to discuss church governance, make…